Reusable modular containment device for protecting cargo during shipment

ABSTRACT

A robust, reusable, and modular shipping container for protecting large, fragile, odd-shaped, or high-value cargo from damage during shipment. Such cargo may include telecommunications cabinets, appliances, and furniture. The shipping container minimizes the possibility of shipping damage due to improper handling, tip-overs, lateral collisions, or vibration. Such a shipping container may include a pallet base, a lower frame section, an upper frame section, and a top cover, the assembly of the pallet base, lower frame section, upper frame section, and top cover defining a protective outer cage having an interior in which the cargo is disposed.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority from U.S. Patent ApplicationPublication No. 2015/0129588 A1 filed on Jan. 25, 2014, entitled“Reusable Modular Containment Device for Protecting Cargo DuringShipment,” which in turn claims priority from U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 61/904,180, filed on Nov. 14, 2013, entitled “ProtectiveDevice for High Value Cargo During Shipment,” the entire contents ofwhich are hereby incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a modular, reusable, containment devicefor protecting cargo during shipment. The device is suitable forshipping large, fragile, or high-value items such as telecommunicationscabinets, appliances, and furniture.

BACKGROUND

Telecommunications cabinets handle voice and data communications. Thecabinets can range in size from approximately a 4′×4′×4′ cube to acommonly-sized 4′×4′×8′ tall cabinet. Housed within are all the routers,switchgear, and other electronics necessary to connect office buildingswith the outside world. The electronic components housed withintelecommunications cabinets are very expensive, and require a greatdegree of skill to assemble and correctly wire into place.

Assembling telecommunications cabinets in the field would be difficult,time-consuming, and lacking in quality control. By assembling the unitsat a single location (e.g., a manufacturing facility), far greatercontrol can be maintained over the quality of assembly.

There is, however, a significant drawback to assembling the cabinets ata central location and then shipping them to another destination foruse: the assembled telecommunications cabinets are highly susceptibledamage in transit. Telecommunications cabinets are designed andengineered to be stationary units, not as rugged mobile devices. Thisrequires that a great deal of care be taken when shipping the completetelecommunications boxes.

The traditional method for shipping telecommunications cabinets is to(1) place them on a typical wooden skid pallet, (2) attach cardboard,honeycomb, plastic wrap, or other typical shipping materials to theoutside of the cabinet, and (3) send the packaged telecommunications boxinto the stream of commercial logistics until it reaches its finaldestination. The telecommunications cabinets are generally bolted orstrapped to the pallet.

The palletized telecommunications cabinet may travel by truck, train,boat, or plane. Often, it travels by a variety of methods, and may beswitched numerous times from one vehicle to another her as it travelsfrom its point of origin to its final destination. In the process, thepalletized telecommunications cabinet can be handled many times, and ateach point it is susceptible to damage.

Material-handling equipment, such as forklifts, can cause damage totelecommunications boxes. For example, if a forklift operatorinadvertently misaligns the forks, he could accidently damage thetelecommunications cabinet on the pallet being moved, or thetelecommunications cabinet on an adjacent pallet. In addition, the riskof tip-over is prevalent with top-heavy, palletized telecommunicationscabinets, particularly when being moved up and down ramps. Finally,vibration and the effects of lateral impacts on the palletizedtelecommunications cabinets in transit can damage the internalelectronics. A related concern is that the materials typically used forshipping telecommunications cabinets are simply discarded as trash oncethe unit reaches its destination, rather than being recycled.

For at least these reasons, a more secure method of shipping andprotecting large, high value, fragile items such as telecommunicationscabinets, appliances, grandfather clocks, and furniture is needed. Allthese items can be securely and safely shipped using the containmentdevice of the present invention.

SUMMARY

The present invention provides a novel robust, reusable, modularshipping container for protecting large, fragile, odd-shaped, orhigh-value cargo (e.g., telecommunications cabinets, appliances andfurniture) from damage during shipment. The shipping container minimizesthe possibility of shipping damage due to improper handling, tip-overs,lateral collisions, or vibration. The shipping container comprises: apallet base, a lower frame section, an upper frame section, and a topcover.

In one embodiment, the pallet base comprises a floor mounted above asub-frame.

In another embodiment, the pallet base has the approximate dimensions ofa typical shipping pallet.

In another embodiment, the sub-frame comprises rectangular“picture-frame” front and rear sections suitable for insertion offorklift forks.

In another embodiment, the sub-frame front and rear sections each haveone or more vertical support members connecting the horizontal top andbottom members.

In another embodiment, the front and rear sections are identical.

In another embodiment, the floor includes recessed cavities into whichfoam, or other vibration and shock dampening material, is placed.

In another embodiment, the cavities contain foam, or other vibration andshock dampening material.

In another embodiment, the base pallet base is constructed of one ormore structural materials selected from steel, aluminum, wood, plastic,and composite.

In another embodiment, the pallet base is constructed of steel.

In another embodiment, the shipping device further comprises a ramp.

In another embodiment, the ramp is wide enough to support a hand-truck.

In another embodiment, the ramp is connected to the pallet base by oneor more binges, such that it can be lowered for loading and unloadingcargo, and stowed in an upright position for shipment.

In another embodiment, the hinges are connected to the front side of thepallet base.

In another embodiment, the ramp slides in and out of the pallet base.

In another embodiment, the ramp is detachable from the pallet base.

In another embodiment, the ramp is constructed of one or more structuralmaterials selected from steel, aluminum, composite, wood, and plastic.

In another embodiment, the ramp is constructed of steel.

In another embodiment, the lower frame section comprises left, right andback sides connected to the pallet base.

In another embodiment, the lower frame section comprises left and rightsides attached to the pallet base.

In another embodiment, the left and right sides area identical.

In another embodiment, the lower frame section comprises left and rightsides attached to the pallet, wherein one or more bracing membersconnects the back portions of the two sides.

In another embodiment, the left and right sides are permanently attachedto the pallet base.

In another embodiment, the modular left and right sides are attached tothe pallet base using mating connectors.

In another embodiment, the lower frame section comprises rectangular“picture-frame” left and right sides with horizontal upper and lowermembers and vertical side members.

In another embodiment, rectangular left and right sides each compriseone or more horizontal, vertical or diagonal bracing members.

In another embodiment, the rectangular left and right sides comprise aflat plate tilling he interior.

In another embodiment, the left and right side plates comprise one ormore mating connectors to couple with one or more mating connectors ofthe upper frame section.

In another embodiment, the top cover is attached to the lower framesection using mating connectors.

In another embodiment, the upper frame section comprises front, left andright sides.

In another embodiment, the upper frame section comprises front, back,left and right sides.

In another embodiment, the upper frame section comprises front and backsides.

In another embodiment, the upper frame section comprises rectangular“picture-frame” front and back sides with horizontal upper and lowermembers and vertical side members.

In another embodiment, the rectangular left and right sides eachcomprise one or more horizontal, vertical or diagonal bracing members.

In another embodiment, the horizontal member of the front side is astrike plate for the upper portion of the ramp.

In another embodiment, the rectangular front and back sides comprise aflat plate filling the interior.

In another embodiment, the top cover is attached to the top of the upperframe section using mating connectors.

In another embodiment, the top cover has a rectangular “picture-frame”shape.

In another embodiment, the top cover comprises one or more bracingmembers.

In another embodiment, the rectangular top cover comprises a flat platefilling the interior.

In another embodiment, the pallet base and top cover each have one ormore points of attachment for securing straps.

It will be appreciated that Applicant envisions that all logicalcombinations of the above embodiments (together with additional aspectsdescribed below) are further embodiments and aspects of the presentinvention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The following drawings and description thereof are meant to exemplifyone or more specific embodiments of the invention, and are not intendedto limit the scope of the invention in any way.

FIG. 1 A perspective view of the shipping container of the presentinvention in an assembled version with the ramp in the down position.

FIG. 2 A perspective view of the shipping container showing the modularcomponents, with the ramp in the down position.

FIG. 3 A perspective view of the lower frame section connected to thepallet base, with the ramp in the down position.

FIG. 4 A perspective view of the lower frame section and pallet base,with the ramp in the down position and the base pad members in place.

FIG. 5 A perspective view of the shipping container with the upper framesection attached to the lower frame section, and the ramp in the stowedposition.

FIG. 6 A perspective view of the shipping container with lower framesection, a unit of cargo loaded onto the pallet base, and the ramp inthe down position

FIG. 7 A perspective view of the shipping container with a unit of cargoloaded onto the pallet base, the upper frame section attached to thelower frame section, and the ramp in the down position.

FIG. 8 A perspective view of the shipping container with a unit of cargoloaded onto the pallet base, the upper frame section attached to thelower frame section, the top cover attached to the upper frame section,and the ramp in the down position.

FIG. 9 A perspective view of the shipping container with a unit of cargoloaded onto the pallet base and covered with the blanket assembly, theupper frame section attached to the lower frame section, the top coverattached to the upper frame section, and the ramp in the down position.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the upper frame section front side ofthe shipping container,

FIG. 11 is an overhead view of the top cover of the shipping container.

FIG. 12 is a sectional perspective view of the blanket assembly.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an upperframe member.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an upperframe member.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an upperframe member.

FIG. 16 is an exemplary embodiment of a rectangular top cover.

FIG. 17 is an exemplary embodiment of a front view of a lower framesection.

FIG. 18 is an exemplary embodiment of a front view of a lower framesection.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The modular, reusable, shipping container of the present invention isshown in the figures as comprising: a pallet base 100, a lower framesection 300, an upper frame section 400, and a top cover 500.

The pallet base is constructed of one or more structural materials suchas steel, aluminum, wood, plastic or a composite. For many applications,steel provides a good combination of strength, weight, and low cost. Thepallet base includes a floor allowing for the use of hand trucks, orappliance-type dollies, to load and unload the cargo while protectingthe bottom of the cargo. The floor can include recessed cavities intowhich foam, or other vibration and shock dampening materials, can beplaced. These materials insulate the cargo from the pallet base andabsorb any vibrations or shock induced into the shipping container.

The cargo typically rests on vibration and shock-dampening material. Thematerial supports the cargo above the floor and leaves a small space,approximately ½″ to 1″, between the bottom of the cargo and the floor.This gap provides room for the cargo to float on the vibration and shockdampening material. An additional benefit of the gap is that it allows astandard appliance dolly to be slipped into it to facilitate removal ofthe cargo from the shipping container once the cargo has reached itsfinal destination.

The shipping container of the present invention can further comprise aramp, e.g., a folding ramp that can be moved between a substantiallyhorizontal down position (for unloading cargo with an appliance dolly orhand truck), and a substantially vertical folded (i.e., stowed) positionfor transit. The folding ramp can be attached to the pallet base usinghinges, and constructed of a suitable material (e.g., steel, aluminum,composite material, wood, or plastic) to provide a desirable combinationof strength, weight, and cost for a particular application. Reinforcedsteel provides sufficient strength, acceptable weight, and low cost formany applications.

When the folding ramp is in the vertical stowed position, it can besecured with safety retainer mechanisms, such as safety cables or safetychains. An additional benefit of this folding ramp is that when in thestowed position, it provides additional protection against damage fromforklifts or other material-handling devices by acting as a protectivewall on the front side of the shipping container. Other embodiments ofthe present invention include a ramp which slides in and out of thepallet base, and a ramp which can be completely detached from the palletbase. When the ramp is in the open position, the ramp allows a user ofthe shipping container to load material onto the shipping container basewith a commonly used hand truck, or appliance style dolly. When the rampis in the stowed, or folded position, it provides additional protectionto the cargo contained within the shipping container.

A lower frame section, comprising left and right sides, and optionally aback side, connects to the pallet base and extends generally upward.These sides provide skeletal-like protection for the lower portion ofthe shipping container, a means for supporting the upper frame sides,and a means for supporting, and hearing the weight of stacked palletswhen the shipping container is used in the half-height position.Incorporated into the tops of the lower frame sides are matingconnectors, which allow the upper frame sides to be attached to thelower frame sides. The frame sections are preferably made from aplurality of rectangular steel tubes dispersed in a parallel array.

The upper frame sides can be attached to the lower frame sides byengaging female mating connector of the upper frame sides with maleconnectors of the lower frame sides (or vice-versa), The upper framesides can be identical, and include strike plates to further protect thecargo from accidental damage. The strike plates provide additionalretention of the ramp to prevent it from unfolding and from forkliftsinadvertently poking into the cargo, The strike plates can be at thesame approximate height that a second level of pallets in a standardtwo-pallet stack for shipping would be. The upper portions of the upperframe sides can comprise mating connectors that allow the top frame sideto be attached thereto with compatible mating connectors (e.g.,male/female connectors).

A protective blanket can optionally be placed between the cargo and theinner surfaces of shipping container for additional protection. Theprotective blanket can comprise a plurality of padded features. Spacefilling material, such as foam pads, packing air bags, or other typicaldunnage materials and items can also be inserted between the protectiveblanket wrapped cargo and the inner surfaces of the shipping container.For example, air bags can be placed between the cargo and the innersurfaces of the container at various locations to further eliminate anygaps between the container and the cargo. Packing air bags are availablein an almost unlimited variety of sizes, shapes, and strengths from avariety of sources such as alibaba.com, Inflatable Packaging, Inc., andothers.

A strap mechanism can be used to tighten the unit together. For example,a plurality of ratcheting, nylon straps can be used to bind the unit.The ratchet portion of each of the ratcheting straps can be fixed to thepallet base, and the hook end of the ratcheting strap attached to thetop frame side. Once the plurality of straps has been fully tightened,the outer portion of the shipping container frame can be wrapped with alayer of stretch wrap, or with products such as “shrinkwrap”. Thestretch wrap provides protection against external moisture, provides asurface upon which shipping labels, and tags, can be affixed to theshipping container, and a visual reference to aid in the detection ofcargo damage inflicted during the shipping process.

In certain applications, the upper frame sides can be removed and theshipping container used as in half-height configuration. The upper framesides can be stored within the lower frame sides, and the top frame sideattached to the upper portions of the lower frame sides. In thisconfiguration, the top frame side becomes the top of a half-heightshipping container.

An additional benefit of the modular design of the shipping container isthat it can protect a telecommunications cabinet during the assemblyprocess. The shipping container, containing the unpopulatedtelecommunications cabinet, is simply moved to the first stage of thepopulating process. If multiple stages of assembly are required, thecabinet can be moved on the shipping container throughout the assemblyprocess. Once assembly is complete, a protective blanket can be placedover the cabinet and the ramp secured in the stowed position with safetyretainer devices. The upper frame sides can be attached; and ratchetingstraps tightened. After the shipping container is wrapped with a layerof stretch wrap film, the unit is ready for shipment.

Specific Embodiment of Invention

One specific embodiment of the shipping container of the presentinvention is illustrated in FIGS. 1-12. A perspective view of thisembodiment in assembled form is shown in FIG. 1, with a pallet base 100,lower frame section 300, upper frame section 400, and top cover 500, andramp 200 shown. FIG. 2 provides a perspective view of the shippingcontainer showing disconnected modular frame components, and the ramp inan open position. In this embodiment, the lower frame section isintegrated into the pallet base.

Turning now to FIG. 2, one will see the transport device 10 in anexploded view. The base portion 100, lower frame portion 300, upperframe 400, and top frame portion 500 are shown in a disassembledorientation. The ramp assembly 200 is shown in the unfolded, or openposition.

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the transport device base 100 withthe ramp member 210 of the ramp assembly 200 in an unfolded position.The base portion 100 comprises a base pallet assembly 110 which servesas the main platform for the entire transport device assembly 10. Thebase pallet assembly 110 is constructed of a steel frame 112 portionfurther comprising a plurality of vertical support embers 114. Thevertical support members 114 are located in such a way as to providepockets 116, containing ample space and clearance and guidance forfork-lift forks, or other material handling equipment. The verticalframe members 114 are fixedly connected to the base pallet frameassembly 112 and to the lower bottom portion of the lower frame verticalsupport members 302.

A plurality of lower frame vertical support members 302 extend upwardlyfrom the base of the pallet frame member 112 forming an outer perimeterfor the lower transport device base assembly 100. in a preferredembodiment of the present invention, lower frame vertical supportmembers 302 extend upwardly from each of the corners of the transportdevice base 100. The four vertical support members 302 of the preferredembodiment form a front right lower vertical support member 303, a rearright lower vertical support member 304, a left rear vertical supportmember 306, and a left front vertical support member 305.

A plurality of cross braces fixedly connecting the right front lowersupport member 303 and the right rear lower support member 304. In apreferred embodiment of the present invention the cross braces include aright to frame upper base member 320, a right lower frame mid crossbrace 322, and a right lower frame upper cross brace 323. Each of thecross braces 320, 322, 323 are fixedly attached in a perpendicularorientation to the right rear vertical support member 304 and the rightfront lower vertical support member 303.

Fixedly connecting the left front lower vertical support member 305 andthe left rear lower vertical support member 306 are a plurality of crossbraces and in a preferred embodiment of the present invention comprise aleft lower frame upper base member 310, a left lower frame mid crossbrace 312, and a left lower frame upper cross brace 313. Each of thecross braces are fixedly attached in a perpendicular orientation to theleft rear vertical support member 305 and the right front lower verticalsupport member 303.

Fixedly connecting the left rear lower vertical support member 306 tothe right rear vertical support member 304 are a plurality of crossbraces. The rear lower frame 320 is fixedly connected to the lowerportion of the left rear lower vertical support member 306 at a firstend 342, and fixedly connected to the lower portion of the right rear304 vertical support member at a second end 344. In a preferredembodiment, a second rear lower frame mid brace 340 is also fixedlyconnected to both the left rear lower vertical support member 306 at afirst end 342, and fixedly connected to the lower portion of the rightrear vertical support member at a second end 344.

Fixedly connecting the left front lower vertical support member 305 tothe right front vertical support member 303 is a front lower frame 350.The front lower frame 350 has a first end 352 and a second end 354. Thefirst end 352 of the front lower frame member 350 is fixedly attached tothe lower portion of the lower portion of the right front verticalsupport member 303 in a perpendicular orientation. The second end 354 isfixedly connected to the lower portion of the left front verticalsupport member 305.

Fixedly attached to the top portion of the front lower frame member 350and extending to the top portion of the rear lower frame member 330 isthe base floor 120. Fixedly attached to the bottom portion of the frontlower frame member 350 and extending to the lower portion of the rearlower frame member is the pad compartment floor 132.

The base floor comprises a right side 121, a left side 122, a front side123, a back side 124, a top side 125, and a bottom side (not shown). Thetop side 125 of the floor 120 faces in a generally upward direction andprovides a surface capable of supporting a hand truck) or dolly, whensuch device is used for the loading and unloading of cargo from thetransport device.

The right side 121 and left side 122 of the base floor 120 form part ofthe outer perimeter of each of the base pad compartments 130.

The base pad compartment 130 is bounded by the front lower frame member350, the rear lower frame member 330, the left lower frame upper basemember 310, the right lower frame upper cross brace 323, and a base padcompartment floor 132.

The base pad compartment 130 is capable of holding a base pad 140.Turning now to FIG. 4, a plurality of base pad members 140 are shownpositioned into their respective base pad compartments 130.

Turning now to FIG. 5, the transport device system 10 may be shown withthe ramp member 210 of the ramp assembly 200 in the upright, or stowedposition. Note that the front upper frame strike plate 412 of the frontupper frame 410 retains the ramp member 210 of the ramp assembly 210when the ramp member 210 is in the folded, or upright position.

Additional ramp retention is provided by ramp safety retainers 240. Theramp safety retainers 240 prevent the ramp member 210 of the rampassembly 200 from accidently unfolding when the front upper frame member410 is removed from the lower frame 300.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the upper framestrike plate 412 and rear upper frame strike plate 422 are wider thanother frame members such as the upper mid braces 414 and 424 in order toprovide additional protection to the cargo 800 from potential damage tofork strikes and other material handling equipment issues.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the transport device system 10 with aunit of cargo 800 placed within the lower frame portion of the transportdevice system 10 and on top of the plurality of base pads 140.

Additional components of the ramp assembly 200 can be seen in FIG. 4.The ramp assembly 200 of a preferred embodiment of the present inventioncomprises a foldable ramp member 210 and a hinge member 230. The rampmember 210 is hingedly coupled to the transport device base floor 120 bythe ramp assembly hinge 230. The hinge assembly 230 allows the rampmember 210 to be moved from an open to a closed position as seen inFIGS. 4 and 5 to allow for easier loading of material onto and off ofthe transport device base.

The ramp member 210 further comprises an upper facing 212 and a lowerfacing 214 portion. The upper facing 212 may further comprise a non-skidsurface, or other suitable surface to increase the suitability of theramp member 212 for use. In a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention, the ramp member 210 and floor member of the transport devicebase 120 are constructed of diamond plated aluminum. The bottom side ofthe ramp member 210 may further comprise a plurality of support members220 which provide additional support to the ramp member 210.

FIG. 5 shows a plurality of base pad members 140 positioned in theirrespective base pad compartments 130.

FIG. 5 shows the shipping container with the upper frame section 400attached to the lower frame section 300. The upper frame section 400comprises two rectangular frame sides: a front side 410 and a hack side420. The front side 410 has a strike plate 412 which retains the ramp200 when it's folded in the upright position. Additional ramp retentionis provided by safety retainers 240, which prevent the ramp 200 fromaccidently unfolding when the front upper frame front side 410 isremoved from the lower frame section 300. Preferably, the upper framestrike plate 412 and rear upper frame strike plate 422 are wider thanother frame members, such as the upper mid braces 414 and 424, toprovide additional protection to the cargo 800.

Turning now to FIG. 7, exemplary FIG. 7 may show an assembled transportdevice assembly 10 with a cargo member 800 contained. A transport deviceblanket assembly 600 is in place over the cargo 800 protecting the cargofrom the upper frame 400, and lower frame 300 members of the transportdevice assembly 10 members of the transport device assembly 10

FIG. 8 provides a perspective view of the shipping container with a unitof cargo 800 placed within the lower frame section 300 on top of theplurality of base pads 140, with the ramp 200 in the down position. FIG.7 shows the unit in FIG. 6 with the addition of the upper frame section400 in place. FIG. 8 shows the unit in FIG. 7 with the addition of thetop cover 500 in place.

Turning now to FIG. 9, exemplary FIG. 9 may show an internal perspectiveview of an embodiment of the blanket assembly 600 of the presentinvention. Blanket assembly 600 comprises an outer facing surface 610and an inner, cargo facing service 620. The blanket assembly 600 furthercomprises a plurality of pocket like structures 630 incorporated intothe blanket assembly 600 which provide containment for a plurality ofblanket pad members 640. The blanket pad pockets 630 can bestrategically located in various places on the blanket assembly 600 inorder to provide the optimal protection for the cargo 800 containedwithin the blanket 600 and within the complete block cage assembly 10.The blanket pad material may be selected from commonly used cargopadding materials such as foam, air bags, peanuts, paper, or othercommonly used cargo padding materials.

FIG. 9 shows the unit is FIG. 8 with blanket assembly 600 covering thecargo 800.

Turning now to FIG. 10, exemplary FIG. 10 may show a perspective view ofa typical upper front frame member of a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention. The upper portion of the front 410 and rear 420 upperframe members contain protruding mating features 460 that allow the topframe member 500—to be attached to the front 410 and rear 420 framemembers of the upper frame 400. The top frame member 500 comprises aplurality of receiver members 520 which mate with the plurality ofprotruding mating features 460 to connect with the upper frame of thetransport device.

The lower portion of the upper frame member 300 frame uprights 418, 419,420, and 422 further comprise a female mating receptacle 450 capable ofreceiving the male upper male attachment posts 390 of the lower frameassembly 300.

Exemplary FIG. 10 may show a perspective view of a typical upper frontframe member of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 may show a perspective view of the upper frame front side 410,comprising male mating features 460 for coupling to top cover 500.Rectangular upper frame front side 410 comprises upper 416 and lower 412horizontal support members, side vertical support members 418 and 419,and a horizontal bracing member 414 connecting side members 418 and 419.All the connections can be permanent or coupled using mating features.Upper frame back side 420 is of the same design, and is interchangeable.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the front upperframe 410 and rear upper frame 420 are interchangeable.

Turning now to FIG. 11, exemplary FIG. 11 may show a close upperspective view of the top frame portion assembly of the transportdevice system 10. The top frame assembly 500 comprises a right top framemember 502, a left top frame member 504, a front top frame member 506, arear top frame member, and a plurality of top frame cross braces 530. Ina preferred embodiment of the present invention, the left top framemember 504, the right top frame member 502, the front top frame member506, and rear top frame member 508 are arranged in a 4 sided type ofarrangement and fixedly connected to each other. The top frame crossmembers 530 are arranged in a perpendicular like arrangement relative tothe front top frame member 506 and rear top frame member 508, andparallel to the left top frame member 504, and right top frame member502 and are fixedly connected to the front top frame member 506 and reartop frame member 508.

Fixedly connected to the left top frame member 504 and right top framemember 506 are a plurality of top frame strap connection members 522.Turning back to FIG. 9, exemplary FIG. 9 may show an assembled transportdevice assembly 10 with a cargo member 800 contained within. A transportdevice blanket assembly 600 is in place over the cargo 800 protectingthe cargo from the upper frame 400, and lower frame 300 members of thetransport device assembly 10 members of the transport device assembly10.

Turning now to FIG. 11, exemplary FIG. 11 may show a rectangular topcover 500 comprising receiver members 520 which connect with matingfeatures 460 of the upper frame section. Top cover 500 comprises a rightsupport member 502, a left support member 504, a front support member506, a rear support member 508, and a plurality braces 530 connectingfront support member 506 with rear support member 508. All theconnections can be permanent or coupled using mating features. Top framefurther comprises a plurality of top frame strap connection members 522.

FIG. 12 shows an internal perspective view of the optional blanketassembly 600 of the present invention. Blanket assembly 600 comprises anouter facing surface 610 and an inner, cargo facing surface 620. Theblanket assembly 600 further comprises a plurality of pocket likestructures 630 incorporated into the blanket assembly 600 which providecontainment for a plurality of blanket pad members 640. The blanket padpockets 630 can be strategically located in various places on theblanket assembly 600 to provide the optimal protection for the cargo800. The blanket pad material may be selected from commonly used cargopadding materials such as foam, air bags, peanuts, paper, or other cornonly used cargo padding materials.

Turning now to exemplary FIG. 13, FIG. 13 may show a perspective view ofan exemplary embodiment of an upper frame member, such as, for example,an upper front frame member 410. The upper portion of the upper frontframe member 410 may have one or more protruding mating features 460that may allow a top frame member to be attached to the front 410 andrear 420 members of the upper frame 400.

In an exemplary embodiment, an upper frame member may have an upperhorizontal support member 416 and a lower horizontal support member 412,as well as a plurality of horizontal bracing members 414 which mayconnect side members 418 and 419. Connections between members may bepermanent or may be coupled using mating features. For example,according to an exemplary embodiment, horizontal bracing members 414, orother members, may be removably coupled to the side members 418 by oneor more connectors 440, which may be, for example, screws, cam lockconnectors, or another such connector, as desired.

Turning now to exemplary FIG. 14, FIG. 14 may show a perspective view ofan exemplary embodiment of an upper frame member, such as, for example,an upper front frame member 410. In an exemplary embodiment, the upperframe member may have a lower horizontal support member 412 thatfunctions as a strike plate; in an exemplary embodiment, the upper framestrike plate 412 may be wider than other frame members such as the uppermid braces 414 so as to provide additional protection to the cargo 800.

Turning now to exemplary FIG. 15, FIG. 15 may show a perspective view ofan exemplary embodiment of an upper frame member which may be configuredto be assembled from multiple components, which may make a reusablemodular containment device easier to assemble. For example, according toan exemplary embodiment, a side member 418 may support a lowerhorizontal support member 412, an upper horizontal support member 416,and one or more horizontal bracing members 414, which may be connectedto the side member permanently or impermanently (such as by aconnector). In an embodiment, each of the horizontal support members412, 414, 416 may have a hole 426 disposed therein. In an embodiment, aninsertable side member 428 may be inserted through each of the holes426, in, for example, a clearance or transition fit, thereby couplingthe insertable side member 428 to the array of horizontal supportmembers 412, 414, 416. In an exemplary embodiment, a top portion 430 ofthe insertable side member 428 may be larger than the holes 426,ensuring that the insertable side member 428 does not slide out of theholes 426, and ensuring that the insertable side member 428 stops at theproper position in the upper frame member once inserted. In an exemplaryembodiment, a bottom portion 432 of the insertable side member 428 mayalso be widenable so that the insertable side member 428 does not slideout of the holes 426 in the opposite direction. For example, accordingto an exemplary embodiment, the bottom portion 432 of the insertableside member 428 may have a through hole disposed through it, in which apeg with a length greater than the diameter of the hole 426 may beinserted to prevent the bottom portion 432 of the insertable side member428 from being drawn back through the holes 426 without removal of thepeg.

Turning now to exemplary FIG. 16, FIG. 16 shows an alternative exemplaryembodiment of a rectangular top cover 500. According to an exemplaryembodiment, a top cover may have a rectangular “picture-frame” shapehaving one or more bracing members, and may, for example, include aright support member 502, a left support member 504, a front supportmember 506, a rear support member 508, and a plurality of braces 530that may connect the front support member 506 with the rear supportmember 508. In an exemplary embodiment, connections between braces 530and/or members may be permanent, or may be impermanent (for example,coupled using a mating feature or one or more connectors).

In an exemplary embodiment, a top cover 500 may include a plurality ofside-mounted top frame strap connection members 522. In an exemplaryembodiment, one or more straps may be connected from a side-mounted topframe strap connection member 522 to another structural element, such asan upper or lower frame. According to an exemplary embodiment, a topframe strap connection member 522 may be mounted on the side in order topermit ease of access to a strap. In an exemplary embodiment, a topcover 500 may further include a downward-facing portion, which mayfunction as a receiver member 520. Receiver member 520 may interlockwith the geometry of the top portion of the upper frame section, such aswith mating features 460 of the upper frame section, and may ensure thatthe top cover 500 does not shift on top of the upper frame section.

Turning now to exemplary FIG. 17, FIG. 17 shows an exemplary embodimentof a lower frame section 300, which may be supported by a pallet base100. In an embodiment, a top portion of a vertical support member 302 ofthe lower frame section 300 may have a side-facing protrusion 315,which, in an exemplary embodiment, may function as a lower frame strapconnection member 315. According to an exemplary embodiment, a strap maybe connected from a top frame strap connection member 522 to a lowerframe strap connection member 315, which may ensure that the assembledtransport device assembly 10 is held in place when fully assembled andmay ensure that a strap can be easily accessed when it is desired toremove the strap. In another exemplary embodiment, the side-facingprotrusion 315 may instead function as a strap guide, and a strap may beconnected to another feature.

Turning now to exemplary FIG. 18, FIG. 18 shows an exemplary embodimentof a lower frame section 300, such as a left lower frame section, whichmay incorporate a base pallet assembly portion 110 of a pallet base 100.Such a lower frame section 300 may incorporate a lower frame cross bracemember 310, a lower frame upper cross brace member 313, and one or morelower frame mid cross brace members 312. In an exemplary embodiment, alower frame section 300 may include a side-facing protrusion 315, whichmay function as a lower frame strap connection member 315.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the base pallet assembly portion110 may be incorporated into the lower frame section 300 such that thevertical support members 302 extend from the top portion of the lowerframe section 300 to the bottom portion of the base pallet assemblyportion 110. In an exemplary embodiment, a base floor 120 may bedisposed slightly above the lower portion of the vertical supportmembers 302.

What is claimed is:
 1. A sturdy, reusable, modular, shipping containerfor protecting large, fragile, odd-shaped, or high-value cargo fromdamage during shipment, comprising: a pallet base wherein the palletbase includes a rectangular frame with a plurality of vertical supportmembers extending from a bottom side, the plurality of vertical supportsspaced to form a plurality of pockets beneath the rectangular frame ofthe pallet base; a base pad compartment bounded by the rectangular frameof the pallet base and a base pad compartment floor, the base padcompartment configured to receive a base pad; a lower frame section witha plurality of vertical support members extending from a top of therectangular frame of the pallet base, wherein a plurality of crossbraces extend between the plurality of vertical support members; a rampextending from a front of the pallet base wherein the ramp is movablebetween a first storage position within the storage container and secondposition exterior of the storage container, an upper frame sectionremovably coupled to a top of the plurality of vertical support membersof the lower frame section, the upper frame section including a frontside and a back side, and a strike plate extending along an entirelength of the front side, which retains the ramp in the first position;and a top cover; the pallet base, lower frame section, upper framesection, and top cover defining a protective outer cage having aninterior in which the cargo is disposed; wherein the front side and backside of the upper frame section includes horizontal upper members andhorizontal lower members and vertical side members; and wherein thelower horizontal member of the upper frame section that is the strikeplate for the ramp is wider than the horizontal upper members of theupper frame section.
 2. The shipping container of claim 1, wherein thebase pad compartment floor includes recessed cavities into which foam,or other vibration and shock dampening material, are placed.
 3. Theshipping container of claim 1, wherein the ramp is connected to thepallet base by one or more hinges, such that it can be lowered to thesecond position for loading and unloading cargo, and stowed in the firstposition for shipment.
 4. The shipping container of claim 1, wherein thelower frame section comprises at least first and second side membersconnected to the pallet base.
 5. The shipping container of claim 4,wherein the sides are modular sides attached to the pallet base usingone or more mating connectors.
 6. The shipping container of claim 4,wherein the first and second sides include at least one frame memberdisposed in either a horizontal, vertical or diagonal orientation. 7.The shipping container of claim 1, wherein the upper frame section isremovably coupled to the top of the plurality of vertical supportmembers of the lower frame section by one or more mating connectors, andwhere the top cover is attached to the upper frame section by one ormore second mating connectors.
 8. The shipping container of claim 1,wherein the plurality of vertical supports have one or more third matingconnectors to couple with one or more mating connectors of the palletbase.
 9. The shipping container of claim 1, wherein the upper framesection comprises first, second, and third sides.
 10. The shippingcontainer of claim 1, wherein the front side and back side each includeat least one bracing member of a horizontal, vertical or diagonalorientation.
 11. The shipping container of claim 1, wherein the lowerhorizontal member of the front side is the strike plate for the ramp.12. The shipping container of claim 1, wherein the top cover is attachedto the upper frame section using mating connectors.
 13. The shippingcontainer of claim 1, wherein the top cover comprises at least one ormore bracing members.
 14. The shipping container of claim 13, whereinthe top cover comprises a flat plate extending between a pair of opposedside members.
 15. The shipping container of claim 1, wherein the palletbase and top cover each have one or more points of attachment forsecuring straps.
 16. The shipping container of claim 1, wherein each ofthe front side and back side of the upper frame section includes aplurality of vertical side members, a horizontal upper member, ahorizontal lower member, and a plurality of horizontal bracing membersdisposed between the horizontal upper member and the horizontal lowermember.
 17. The shipping container of claim 6, wherein each of the firstand second sides includes a plurality of vertical support members, and alower frame upper cross brace, a lower frame upper base member, and aplurality of mid cross braces extending horizontally between each of theplurality of vertical support members.
 18. The shipping container ofclaim 1, wherein a vertical side member in the upper frame section isremovably coupled to a horizontal upper member and a horizontal lowermember in the upper frame section.
 19. The shipping container of claim18, wherein each of the horizontal upper member and the horizontal lowermember in the upper frame section has a through hole disposed thereon;wherein the vertical side member comprises a shaft; and wherein theshaft of the vertical side member s disposed through the through holesof each of the horizontal upper member and the horizontal lower memberin one of a clearance or transition fit.
 20. The shipping container ofclaim 18, wherein each of the horizontal upper member and the horizontallower member is connected to the vertical side member by at least one ofa cam lock connector or a screw.